If your employer provides long term disability benefits, the benefits are probably paid pursuant to a plan that is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Although it is possible that disability insurance you purchased through your employer is governed by state law, it is more likely that your coverage is covered by the federal ERISA law. If your claim falls under ERISA, you will not recover bad faith damages. No person pursuing LTD should handle an appeal without a lawyer.